Ethics Committee Advisory Opinion #1984/5 9
November 13, 1984
ANNOTATIONS:
Question:
- A lawyer who is admitted to practice in New Hampshire, but who maintains an office and practices primarily in Boston, has formed a New Hampshire corporation with a licensed realtor and another party experienced in the real estate business. The purpose of the corporation is to develop, manage, and sell real estate in the (small town) area. A press release about the corporation identifies the lawyer as a resident of (small town) who practices law in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The inquiry letter states that the lawyer has never had a law office in this state, does not intend to have an office here, and does not contemplate being in the general practice of law, or seeking clients where the possibility of a conflict between the law practice and his real estate business would exist. However, the letter further states that the lawyer presently practices law and has several “large clients” in the North Country. The lawyer has sought a reconsideration of a reconsideration of two prior Ethics Opinions issued by the predecessor of this Committee, holding that New Hampshire lawyers may not engage in the business of real estate.